Why You Need to Change Your Color Scheme -- Now

August 11, 2014

It’s hard to believe that schools in some areas are already back in session, signaling that summer will be nearing a quick and abrupt end. Although this signals the end of many people's favorite season, I’m really looking forward to the fall, not only for the fall foliage, cold mornings and pumpkin flavored coffee, but for the impact it will have on presentation design.

Impact on presentation design, you ask? Just as the seasons mandate a change in dress style, they also impact design -- color, in particular. Presentation designers are more likely to use specific colors based on the seasonal events happening around them. A winter conference will often encourage the use of more greens and blues, whereas a summer kick-off speech, will often inspire the use of reds and oranges.

Take a look at this Coca-Cola ad. Would you see this in the Winter?

But you may see this one instead:

So, if you are looking for a change of pace in the design that currently surrounds you, I have good news for you: It will be changing in the weeks ahead.

Find the Inspiration for Your Next Presentation

Ready to get started? Start first by moodboarding your thoughts and ideas. Look around you and take a cue from nature and the season. Let it guide and direct your creative process to ensure that your design is relevant to the project or event.

Putting It Into Practice

Aim for only 3-4 color choices throughout your deck, and stick with one season as inspiration. You can use this diagram to help you:

As you begin to work on your next presentation, don’t neglect the notion of timeliness and relevance. The colors and elements you choose to utilize will make a significant impact. More importantly, your colors will or will not be received well depending on the seasonal mood of your audience.

Scott Schwertly is the author of How to Be a Presentation God and CEO of Ethos3, a Nashville, TN-based presentation boutique providing professional presentation design and training for national and international clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies to branded individuals like Guy Kawasaki. If Scott is not working with his team building presentations, you will find him in the pool, on the bike, or on a long run. Scott lives in Nashville, TN with his wife and three dogs. He has a B.A. and M.B.A. from Harding University.